Your backpacking travel planner

As many a student and scholar will know, one of the great stories and legends of the ancient world is that of the seven wonders of the world. These truly great constructions are often considered as the ultimate pinnacle and towering feats of human endeavour - and were once collectively considered the main architectural achievements of a society that existed long before our time. While 6 of these 7 great monuments are no longer of this realm, it is an impressive omen in itself that the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt still remains intact - and therefore survives as a towering example of what humanity could achieve in the ancient world so many hundreds of years before modern building technology or construction techniques was even dreamt of. The Great Pyramid of Giza today forms one of the major visitor attractions and key places of interest for any tourist visiting Egypt. Incredibly this magnificent structure remains intact today in spite of being completed in around 2551 BC - making it the oldest of all the seven wonders of the ancient world. If you are on a backpacking trip or a holiday to Egypt this truly stunning structure is an absolute must see on your visit to the country. The pyramid is truly something magnificent to behold, and it is mind boggling to comprehend how such things could be achieved over two and a half thousand years ago.

I asked: what happened to 'the journey'? Is the process of getting 'there' no longer as important as it once was? My friend Greg says: "Get me there as painlessly as possible. That is still important, but airports are airports, and other than the quality of food, and perhaps the entertainment system, planes are planes. Once landed, then the journey becomes, or can become, important... land and sea travel afford many more 'memory' possibilities. Running around Saigon in a 1968 Honda 90cc motorcycle with two duffle bags hanging off each arm (passenger). Taking a small long tail to go to Ko Lanta Island in South Thailand. Taking the train from Kuala Lumpur up through Malaysia and into Thailand. Trekking across 6 countries in Africa in the back of a Bedford truck. Taking the subway from Charles De Gaulle into Paris. Taking any TGV fast train in France. Riding around Melbourne in a Tram. Hitching to the step pyramids of Sakarah (Egypt) in old diesel lorry, sitting on a crate of dates, a chicken on my lap. I think ground transportation has elements of excitement, adventure, and most importantly a closer look at people and their culture in a 'real' every-day environment." I found this photo I took on a road trip in Morocco. Greg, is this what you mean?

It's people that make my travels so memorable. And I don't necessarily mean the people I befriend. Sometimes it's a person I merely see on my travels, an exchange of knowing looks as we walk down the same lane, as we leisurely stroll the same route, as we nudge each other out of the way on a busy shopping street. Sometimes it's a person I meet fleetingly - in a souq, in a restaurant, on the road - someone I may never see again. And yet, that moment - a smile, a stare, a wave, a tear - may leave an everlasting impression. That sounds corny I know. But it's true. I'll never forget the slight smile and glint in the eye of the woman on the right as we passed each other in the backstreets of Alexandria. Do you have those memories from your travels?